How to Succeed Working in Retail

How to Succeed Working in Retail via Pixabay Know your product Hopefully, you have landed a job at a retail store where you are familiar or even interested in the product you are selling. This can be cookware, books, shoes, hunting equipment the list goes on. If you are currently looking for a job in retail, try to apply to stores that you shop in. It’s important to know the product that you are selling, especially when working in customer service. Customers will come to you for help or information pertaining to a certain product your store carries. If you are working in a bookstore, you should probably learn about what recommendations to make or be familiar with classic books and new releases. Some customers may ask for advice on what they should get, so be prepared to list the pros and cons of products. When you know and are familiar with the product your store sells, it will make your job so much easier. You will feel like you have helped someone make a decision and won’t feel flustered when a customer asks about a product. pexels.com Know the culture Each retail store has a different culture and work environment. If you are working at an upscale clothing store, you may be expected to be on your best behavior at all times and dress well. If you work at the local grocery store, it will probably be more laid back where you can wear jeans and sneakers. Getting along with your coworkers and fitting into the mold the culture of the company has created is important when working in retail. via Pixabay Always be friendly and helpful When working in retail, it is guaranteed that you will have to interact with customers. Whether it is answering the phone, operating a cash register, or working on the sales floor, you will be in contact with customers looking to buy your product. Always smile and be helpful towards customers. If a customer looks confused, ask if they need help with something. Don’t wait until they come to you. Be friendly and eager to help them. Nobody likes dealing with rude or disgruntled employees when they shop. Learn patience Not all customers will be nice to you, but that does not give you an excuse to be rude to them. The phrase, “the customer is always right” actually does apply to real life and may want to make you scream, but make sure to do it while on your break. Learning how to be patient is an important skill to have not only when working in retail, but in life as well. via Pixabay Ask the manager As a retail employee, you are not expected to know everything about the company or its policies, especially if you are only there for the summer. It’s okay to call the manager over when you do not know the answer to a question or if you have a question. In any job, it is always better to ask about something you are unsure of than giving out incorrect information or doing something wrong. After getting the answer to your questions, you will successfully build up your knowledge of the company and its policies. Stay ahead Nobody likes an employee that does the bare minimum of what they are expected to do. Displaying good work ethic is important, no matter what job or task you are doing. When you finish one task, move on to another or ask for something else to do. Take initiative and do something that you notice needs to be completed without someone telling you to do it. This will likely impress your managers and you’ll earn good status with the store. via Pixabay It’s just a job Keep in mind that it is just a job. When you are having a bad day and dealing with difficult customers, it’s okay. In just three months you will be back at school attending classes and getting together with friends, and those customers will not matter anymore. You are much more than just an employee. If it turns out you don’t like working in retail, just remember that it allows you to pay for the things you want to do outside of work.